If you’ve ever wondered how to create a Showit popup box that actually works one that grabs attention without annoying your visitors you’re in the right place.

As someone who’s been building Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs for years, I’ve tinkered with popups more times than I can count. Whether you want to grow your email list, promote a flash sale, or simply offer a lead magnet, the right popup can do wonders.
But here’s the thing Showit doesn’t have a built-in popup feature like some other platforms. That might sound like a roadblock, but don’t worry I’m going to walk you through exactly how to create a Showit popup box using Showit’s native tools (no coding required!) and a few pro tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
Let’s dive in.
Why Use a Popup Box on Your Showit Website?
Popups can be incredibly effective when used correctly. They let you:
- Capture emails for your newsletter
- Promote special offers or limited-time discounts
- Share important announcements
- Offer lead magnets like free guides or checklists
The key is to make them look and feel like a natural part of your brand, not an interruption. And that’s something Showit allows beautifully because it’s a design-first platform built for creatives.
Can You Create a Popup in Showit Natively?
Technically, Showit doesn’t have a built-in “popup” widget like Squarespace or Wix. But with a little creativity (and no coding), you can create popups that:
- Show up when someone lands on your page
- Appear after clicking a button (like a “Get Free Guide” link)
- Act as exit popups (with a third-party tool)
Today, I’ll show you the most user-friendly way to create a popup inside the Showit builder using canvas views plus some bonus tips to make it pop (pun intended).
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How to Create a Showit Popup Box (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the exact process I use when creating a custom popup box on a Showit site:
Step 1: Create a New Canvas for Your Popup
This is where your popup content will live.

- Go to the “Site Canvases” section in Showit
- Click the “+” button and create a new blank canvas
- Name it something easy like Popup Opt-in
Step 2: Design Your Popup Box
This is the fun part! Showit’s drag-and-drop editor gives you full creative control.
- Add a rectangle shape with a solid background (use white, black, or a soft color that matches your brand)
- Drop in your headline, subtext, and form (if you’re collecting emails, use the Showit form widget or embed from platforms like Flodesk or ConvertKit)
- Include a close button (usually a small X icon in the corner). This is optional but highly recommended
Pro Tip: Add a transparent background behind the popup box to give that “overlay” effect it helps the popup stand out while dimming the rest of the page.
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Step 3: Turn Off Canvas Visibility by Default
You don’t want the popup showing all the time.
- In the Canvas settings, toggle off “Visible on Load”
- This hides the canvas when the page loads
- You’ll trigger it with a button or event
How to Trigger the Popup: 3 Smart Options
Option 1: Show Popup When a Button Is Clicked
This is the most common method.
- Select the button on your page (e.g., “Subscribe Now” or “Download Freebie”)
- Go to the Click Actions
- Choose “Show Canvas” > Select your Popup Opt-in canvas
That’s it! When someone clicks the button, your popup appears.
Option 2: Auto Popup on Page Load
Want your popup to show automatically after a few seconds?
You’ll need to embed a bit of custom JavaScript (don’t worry, it’s super simple):
<script>
setTimeout(function(){
window.location.hash = ‘#popup’;
}, 5000); // popup after 5 seconds
</script>
You’ll need to make sure your pop-up canvas is set to be shown via hash link (use a custom URL like #popup). Or use third-party tools like ConvertBox or Poptin for advanced options.
Option 3: Exit-Intent Popups
Showit alone doesn’t support exit-intent popups natively, but you can use tools like:
- ConvertBox
- OptinMonster
- Sumo
These integrate easily via embed codes and offer features like A/B testing, behavioral targeting, and mobile optimization.
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Design Tips to Make Your Showit Popup Work Without Being Annoying
Let’s be real: nobody likes a pushy popup.
Here’s how to create one that converts without scaring people away:
- Keep it simple. One clear message, one clear CTA.
- Make it beautiful. Use Showit’s design flexibility to match your brand colors and fonts.
- Time it right. Don’t show a popup the second someone lands on your site. Wait 5–10 seconds or trigger it on click.
- Add a close button. Give people control. They’ll trust you more.
- Test it! Try different headlines, images, or CTAs to see what works best for your audience.
Common Questions About Showit Popups (FAQ)
Can I create multiple popups on the same page?
Yes! You can create multiple site canvases and trigger them with different buttons or actions.
Can I use Showit popups for lead magnets?
Absolutely. You can either embed a form directly (from Mailchimp, ConvertKit, etc.) or link to a hidden page with your download.
What’s the best size for a popup box in Showit?
There’s no perfect size, but a good starting point is around 500–700px wide for desktop and 90% width for mobile. Test it on different devices to be sure.
Can I make popups mobile-friendly in Showit?
Yes! Just like any canvas, you can design separate mobile and desktop views. Always double-check your design in both views inside the Showit builder.
Final Thoughts: Showit Popups Can Be Powerful If You Use Them Right
Now you know exactly how to create a Showit popup box no coding, no third-party plugins required (unless you want the advanced stuff).
Here’s the deal: Popups work best when they’re purposeful and beautifully designed. Luckily, Showit is perfect for both.
Whether you’re offering a freebie, running a seasonal promo, or simply trying to boost engagement, a well-designed popup can make a huge impact. Just keep it clean, on-brand, and user-friendly.
Ready to Build Your Own Showit Popup?
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to bookmark it or share it with a fellow Showit user. And if you’re looking for help designing custom Showit popups that look amazing and convert like crazy get in touch here or check out our Showit services.
We’re here to help you get the perfect website literally.






